Hestercombe House & Gardens — Local services in England

Have been members for over 20 years. It is clear the gardens are no longer cherished by the custodians. OK, this summer has been hot and dry and therefore things don’t look lush, but that’s no excuse not to maintain the standards. We’ve had summers like this in the recent past, 2018 and 2022 are cases in point, but the efforts by the garden team were still apparent in those previous years. Now there are weeds everywhere, paths are overgrown with clear signs of neglect. The impression is, either a staffing issue, or nobody cares. It is disappointing to see how the gardens have deteriorated. Whereas, Forde Abbey, Kilver Court are just two gardens we have visited and are fine examples where despite the heat, gardens can still look loved.

The plant sales area including the sales hut have been left abandoned, looks like they just walked away. Now there a few plants for sale in what used to be the outdoor café eating area by the redundant ice-cream kiosk, but what few that were there didn't look very healthy.

The café has been replaced by a bookshop, the ice cream kiosk is now stocked with souvenirs and tat, despite keeping the signage suggesting that you could buy something cold and refreshing. So we attempted to visit the Stables Restaurant, not at all welcoming, just a sign, “please wait to be seated.” No menu available, no indication of what’s on offer; we just wanted to have a cup of tea and perhaps look at the cakes, no idea if light meals or even just a drink is even an option. If they do sandwiches, no display so was left to assume they only do full meals? The visitor is left completely unaware of what's on offer until directed to one of the empty tables. In the past you could look at the cakes, sandwiches or baguettes available and make a choice, perhaps even choose from the specials board which used to be by the main counter. Now, that counter seems to be in a no-go area. We are not able to allay our initial observations by saying the food on offer was in fact excellent as nobody came to show us to a table. So we walked away.

We have cancelled our...

This is a gardening masterpiece situated near Taunton in the South West of England with a spectacular of colour on show to see and also a diversity of gardens to see. Your visit starts wandering through the Georgian Landscape Garden where you can first the Army Barrack Hut detailing how Hestercombe was used in the war effort between 1939-45. Other features within the Georgian Landscape Garden are the Octagon Summerhouse, The Chinese Bridge, Sibyl's Temple, Gothic Alcove, Witch Hut and Mausoleum all of which add character and beauty to the Garden. There are some spectacular views of the Blackdown Hills to the South. Once departed you head into the Watermill with an informative display about its history and workings before you wander into the Formal Garden situated to the front of the House and also south of it giving an nice exotic feel as well as a warm and colourful mix with red hot pokers and lavender some of the flowers on show. The house offers a wonderful interior although not furnished offers a decent art exhibition with some spectacular works of art on show to see and enjoy. There are some information videos at different places around the site detailing some interesting points about each place. There is a lovely menu from the restaurant to enjoy at reasonable prices and there is a gift shop at the plant centre and in the house with a wonderful amount fo giftd on show. The staff are very friendly and helpful on site making the visiting experience all the more interesting and enjoyable. Overall a spectacular place to visit for a few hours one that will blow away and make you want to come back...

Lovely Wooded gardens in a valley. Much improved over the years but lots still to improve. The Richard Long theme at the top of the Valley is excellent, but there are swathes of woodland below which basically are covered in overgrown wild vegetation which doesn't look good. The big pond at the bottom needs all the rubbish scraped off and cleaned up. It would be nice to have some more seating around this area. The Plant and Gift shop has been moved away from its former position and seems detached and on one side. It would be good if this area was built over the exit pathway so that people were more in contact with it. Now most people just walk by without really looking. There seems to be a rumour that the house is going to be used as an art gallery. Think that is a poor idea, as not a great amount of people associate with art. It would be better to restore the interior to the style it was in when the great people lived there. The entrance fee is high for just a woodland garden. The annual rate for a joint membership is far too high. It would need four visits to see ones money back, and it is unlikely that four visits to the same place in a year are not likely. Although of course it's not necessarily about the money, but about preserving and upkeep. The food side is excellent. We visited today for afternoon tea. Absolutely superb, and the young lady who served us was so efficient, helpful and charming. Don't like this new scheme of slapping on a 10% Service charge on the bill. It's rude, sneaky and puts people off. We asked for it to be removed. But overall, a lovely place and well...